Go to any bookstore or library and you will find shelves full of dog training books. Be careful! Anyone can write a dog training book and not all of them have good information. Don’t be dazzled by people who tout their movie star clients, or who have shows on television. Those are not credentials!
Your best source for good books is www.Dogwise.com. They specialize in all things dog and their selections are excellent. You will find paper books as well as an increasing number of e-books.
One great thing about the Dogwise site is the ability to key in information about what kinds of training questions or needs you have. Lists will pop up of books to meet those needs. You can also click on lists of books recommended by professional dog trainer organizations such as the Association of Professional Dog Trainers or the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. These are great resources for finding the really good books.
Here are just a few of the excellent dog trainer/authors to look for:
Karen Pryor • Dr. Ian Dunbar • Jean Donaldson • Dr. Patricia McConnell • Dr. Pamela Reid • Dr. Sophia Yin • Pat Miller • Terry Ryan • Turid Rugaas.
Below are a few of my favorite books.
The Culture Clash – Jean Donaldson
The Power of Positive Dog Training – Pat Miller
The Other End of the Leash – Dr. Patricia McConnell
Reaching the Animal Mind… – Karen Pryor
How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves… – Dr. Sophia Yin
Social, Civil, and Savvy – Laura VanArendonk Baugh
For the Love of a Dog… – Dr. Patricia McConnell
Excellent websites for training information include Karen Pryor’s www.clickertraining.com and Dr. Ian Dunbar’s www.dogstardaily.com.